Ode to Don Hertzfeld

I have been a HUGE fan of the independent animator Don Hertzfeld ever since I saw Billy's Balloon.

I first heard of Hertzfeld and saw Billy's Balloon at the Spike and Mike's Festival in San Diego. Tears ran down my face I was laughing so hard at the animated short. The animation was crude, the story was simple, but the comedic timing was so perfect...he pushes every beat to the very limit! You couldn't wait to see what would happen next to this poor kid and his friends.


Above is a t-shirt Hertzfeld signed for me at the Spike and Mike's Festival circa 1998 - wowsie wow! 9 years ago. I was a "wee pup" then, just starting out (only 4 years in animated television and video games) and a "dork (thanks for the clarification Matt) animator-fan girl" sooooo excited to meet this guy. He gave a little talk after all the films played. He was so funny, unassuming and genuinely humble. He literally sat down on the edge of the stage...because he wasn't comfortable standing up there to chat with the audience.

I think, back then, it was even more difficult to get an animated short into festivals. He was drawing everything by hand and shooting it all himself, ya know - it was actually quite a big deal for him to be producing as much as he was - and still is! The Internet existed, but it wasn't quite the PR sensory overload it is today where folks can find notoriety and an audience with a simple website.

BRIDGERACK contacted me to inform me they have a new interview on their independent filmmaker's blog...and its A Conversation With Don Hertzfeldt.

Part One of Four of the Don Hertzfeld Interview

They are publishing the fourth and final installment tomorrow.

Also, in case you don't know him or his work...
Don Hertzfeld's Website



His journal is a blast to read - which was actually a blog before the word existed. Don Hertzfeld's Journal The Gas Mask Guy entry way back in '99 is one of my favorites...

Also here are two more of my favorite shorts of his...

Rejected

Lily and Jim